Bitcoin’s extended sideways trading below $70,000 could be setting the stage for a larger upward move, according to MN Trading Capital founder Michael van de Poppe. He argues that the longer price action grinds in the current zone, the more potential energy accumulates for a stronger breakout, and he flagged a possible move above $71,000 — a level not seen since March 26.
After touching a yearly low of about $60,000 on Feb. 6, Bitcoin has largely remained confined to a roughly $60,000–$74,000 range. At the time of reporting BTC was trading near $66,890, down roughly 8.25% over the past 30 days, according to CoinMarketCap. Sentiment across the market is muted: the Crypto Fear & Greed Index registered an “Extreme Fear” reading of 11.
Not all analysts share an optimistic outlook. Crypto commentator Ted has said $60,000 likely wasn’t the final bottom and expects “one final capitulation” before the market finds a decisively lower trough, though he does not predict a blanket 50% crash. On the macro front, Willy Woo warned of a significant risk of a deeper bear market if the longer-term secular bull in global macro breaks down. Veteran trader Peter Brandt told Cointelegraph he does not expect Bitcoin to reach a new all-time high in 2026 and suggested a potential return to new highs may not occur until mid-2027.
Van de Poppe’s thesis is straightforward: prolonged consolidation can amplify breakout momentum. At the same time, mixed analyst views and macro uncertainty mean downside scenarios remain plausible before any sustained reversal. Traders and investors should watch key technical levels around $60,000 and $71,000, monitor broader macro signals, and manage risk accordingly.
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